Saturday, 26 September 2009

Shed Key

It was Jake Brockman's funeral yesterday afternoon. Tragically sad and yet lots of magical energy bouncing around too. His coffin arrived by Land Rover decorated in Tibetan flags, purple lucky heather and black balloons, wafting incense. Wonderful anecdotes from friends, relatives, lovers and colleagues. Afterwards there was an after-party at the Christchurch recording studios in Clifton. A great party, just a shame he couldn't make it. I was very honored to receive a key to his beloved shed from his widow Sally. She plans to place his urn of ashes in there on the shelf, along with the jam jars of Whitworth nuts and bolts. BP

Sally's selfless, thoughtful, note underlines how well suited Jake and Sally were, because it is precisely what he would have wanted. He was wonderful to be around, infecting anyone in his company with his innate cheerfulness, optimism and humour. His enviable qualities made him a very special man to everyone that knew him and yesterday's send off proved it by being extraordinary and unforgettable as a result of the palpable love so many people had poured into the planning, decorations, eulogies and tributes, whether on film, in stills, or CD. There were numerous times when there wasn't a dry eye in the house, followed immediately by raucous laughter. His friends are planning a memorial ride.

I was blessed to be handed an envelope as well, thank you so much Sally. There will be a welsh shed and remote Shrine with piccies, the Key will be in an Emergency Break Glass Box if anyone needs one urgently to fulfill the desire to head 250 miles south and visit the Beloved Whitworth nuts.Truly beautiful and privileged to be present yesterday and hear of such joy through the sadness.....so wonderful to see so many fondly familiar faces, to relive those great moments, as for the Crem, well I must say truly moving but it took me breath away when that damn box disappeared......Bless

I only knew Jake, a bit, from years ago. still a great shock to hear what happened. A really interesting guy, who lead an extraordinary life. Too much irony that we found out at the end of 'Last Chance to See' when the memorial message came up....great and touching post. Ride on, Jake

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THIS IS THE BLOG OF SIDEBURN MAGAZINE. IF YOU LIKE IT, MAYBE YOU SHOULD BUY A COPY.
Sideburn is a magazine made four times a year by Gary Inman, Ben Part and some of the best freelancers in motorcycling. It features racing, custom bikes, street trackers and great stories from all over the world. We love flat track racing, speedway and the road bikes loosely inspired by the racers plus the heroes and zeroes who line up to race them.
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